Ronald Araujo comments on his future ahead of Barcelona vs Osasuna: “I’m focused, I’m happy”

Barcelona will begin the defence of their Spanish Super Cup trophy tomorrow night when they lock horns with CA Osasuna in the second semi-finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Blaugrana won the trophy last season, beating arch-rivals Real Madrid in the finals and will be eager to achieve success again, especially with the team needing a major confidence boost after some of their recent performances.

Ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final against Osasuna, Ronald Araujo, one of Barcelona’s four captains, attended the press conference along with manager Xavi Hernandez.

The 24-year-old has been a subject of transfer speculations of late, with Bayern Munich willing to go big for his signing. Responding to the rumours, the Uruguayan defender said:

“In all markets there is talk of transfers. But I’m focused on the club, I’m happy. And I always give my best when it’s my turn to defend this shirt.”

Discussing some of the team’s performances in recent weeks, Araujo insisted that they were lacking something both in defence and attack.

“I think that maybe we lacked a bit of strength in both areas, defensively and in attack. We have quality players but we lack the strength to close out games.”

“It’s important to correct those mistakes to get back on track,” he added.

Opening up on what Barcelona can expect from their opponents, Osasuna, Araujo remarked: “Nobody should think that it will be an easy game, on the contrary, Osasuna is a difficult opponent.”

Osasuna go into the game without one of their main players in Chimy Avila, who is out injured. Discussing his absence, Araujo said:

“He is a great player, important for them. But they have players to cover that position. We will try to counteract their strengths, they have good finishers.”

Over the past couple of years, Araujo has made tremendous improvements when it comes to his ball-playing abilities from the back. Discussing the same, he said:

“As you all know, since Xavi arrived, I have learnt a lot in that area. I feel more and more comfortable on the ball. He tells me to be confident. Because of my character, there are games where I try to do a bit more than what I have to do to go up. That’s good for the team.”

On how the team is doing heading into the Spanish Super Cup, Araujo insisted that the tournament could end up being a turning point in the season like last year, saying:

“We’ve been doing well, we’ve been winning, it’s important to win. This challenge was very important for us last year. It was a turning point and it’s important to do it again. We have a great group and we want to win it.”

Araujo was once again probed about the interest from Bayern Munich, but he reiterated that he remains fully focused and committed at Barcelona, saying:

“These are always rumours that come up in every market. There’s always talk, but I’m focused on Barça and I always show it. I will always give 100 per cent.”

Araujo was named as one of the four captains for the season, along with Sergi Roberto, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Frenkie de Jong. Discussing what it means to don the captain’s armband at Barcelona, he said:

“I know what a responsibility it is to wear the armband at this club and I take it on. I try to help the team, the club, my teammates. With what I can contribute. In the moments that are not so good, I try to be there and encourage the team.”

Source: SPORT